This year at The Ledges has featured quite a number of new folks, along with some problems. Saturday of this weekend (yesterday) was a lovely day, which drew people from all over, despite the poor forecast for Sunday. A lot of regulars have made their yearly pilgrimages as well. Not too much rope swing activity lately -- but there have been a number of younger folks in their teens and twenties visit this year, which is all for the good. A couple of weeks ago the Chelsea Mermaid and five of her friends came by, as they have in prior years, and even stopped over to talk to the older folks. Nice touch! Last weekend and this weekend had several younger folks too, although their interaction with the community ranged from chatty to non-existent.
Water level has now dropped to the point where major amounts of the main ledge, and some beach, are available. This is a big improvement over the way it has been most of July.
The road closure I mentioned in my last post did not happen yet. It has been rescheduled for the weekend of August 8th. Please be aware that Rt. 100 will be closed that weekend, for sure.
As for the problems: one of the newer visitors last week picked a spot very far from the main beach area on Saturday, and wound up having some creepy dude set up right next to her and exhibit sexual behavior. She was rightfully angry about this, and it hasn't been the only such incident this year. The Ledges regulars do their best to patrol the area on foot and in kayaks, but we are volunteers and our reach is limited. We reminded this person that, according to Vermont law, the perpetrator of this act was in fact committing a felony, and that she should immediately have asked him to stop, and/or come and notified any of the regulars of the problem. (She'd already figured out that setting up nearer to the main beach area was a good idea -- that's what she did on Sunday.)
And, if you happen to be one of those people who think that just because you are in a remote rural setting, you can get away with anything, think again. We take our beach very seriously and will not hesitate to enforce its rules, even if that means calling in the cops.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Friday, July 11, 2014
Road closure
Conditions at the Ledges have been seasonable and nice, especially Saturday and Sunday of the July 4th weekend. The only downside has been a very high water level, which if anything has been climbing rather than declining. It's pretty much at historical highs at the moment, which makes for a very cozy beach experience. Nevertheless, that hasn't much interfered with festivities.
For the weekend of 8/8, however, Vermont Route 100 is due to close between Jacksonville and Boyd Hill Road (the road to the Ledges) between August 8th and the following Monday for a bridge repair. For people coming to The Ledges from the south, this will be a problem. The official detour is quite long - 26 miles, via Route 8 and Searsburg.
There is a much easier way, however. Here's a google maps link showing the route:
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/42.8329949,-72.8721489/Jacksonville,+Whitingham,+VT/@42.8249381,-72.8494111,13z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!3m4!1m2!1d-72.8377908!2d42.851509!3s0x89e0e692ec6ebe2d:0xf82a6e6fb8ec481f!1m5!1m1!1s0x89e0e75b0606363b:0x481a3bd1338f555e!2m2!1d-72.8217628!2d42.7970266!3e0?hl=en
In short:
- From Jacksonville, instead of taking Rt. 100 North or following the State's detour, proceed straight up the hill on Gates Pond Road. Where the blacktop bears to the right, go straight up Parsons Road. At the top of the long hill, turn a slight left onto Shearer Hill Road. Descend to intersect Route 9, and turn left. Turn south on Rt. 100 in the outskirts of Wilmington just before the flea market. Proceed south to Boyd Hill Road, on the right.
Hope this isn't too confusing, and hope to see you there this weekend!
For the weekend of 8/8, however, Vermont Route 100 is due to close between Jacksonville and Boyd Hill Road (the road to the Ledges) between August 8th and the following Monday for a bridge repair. For people coming to The Ledges from the south, this will be a problem. The official detour is quite long - 26 miles, via Route 8 and Searsburg.
There is a much easier way, however. Here's a google maps link showing the route:
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/42.8329949,-72.8721489/Jacksonville,+Whitingham,+VT/@42.8249381,-72.8494111,13z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!3m4!1m2!1d-72.8377908!2d42.851509!3s0x89e0e692ec6ebe2d:0xf82a6e6fb8ec481f!1m5!1m1!1s0x89e0e75b0606363b:0x481a3bd1338f555e!2m2!1d-72.8217628!2d42.7970266!3e0?hl=en
In short:
- From Jacksonville, instead of taking Rt. 100 North or following the State's detour, proceed straight up the hill on Gates Pond Road. Where the blacktop bears to the right, go straight up Parsons Road. At the top of the long hill, turn a slight left onto Shearer Hill Road. Descend to intersect Route 9, and turn left. Turn south on Rt. 100 in the outskirts of Wilmington just before the flea market. Proceed south to Boyd Hill Road, on the right.
Hope this isn't too confusing, and hope to see you there this weekend!
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Life is Good
This past weekend saw temperatures in the mid 80's both on Saturday and on Sunday. Visitors from New York City who normally don't come up unless there's at least two good days together were not disappointed. Even the water temperature was a cool but tolerable 64F - although I seemed to be the only one doing any significant swimming.
We did have some rope-swing jumpers for the first time this season. A few others came by to spend the day who were on break between classes. It has surprised me lately how few college students stop by at the Ledges even during break times. I am concerned that we're becoming an almost-exclusively indoor culture. But there were neighbors from my town in the area, and all the regulars as well.
Next weekend looks somewhat cooler but very sunny. It is usually the sun that really matters for the Ledges experience to be what it should be. It's easy to tolerate cooler temperatures on a sunny day than on a cloudy day, and the combination of cold and wind makes the experience more like an arctic expedition than a naturism retreat. But none of those conditions are forecast at the moment, and if the current forecast can be believed, Monday is going to be a good day as well. I may take a day off to enjoy that.
The only downside is that the lake level has been rising. This is typical for June, as the power company accumulates water then to run air conditioning in July. We've lost almost all the lower ledge now, but with luck that's as far as it will go. Some years, we lose the upper ledge as well, and then it's really crowded.
We did have some rope-swing jumpers for the first time this season. A few others came by to spend the day who were on break between classes. It has surprised me lately how few college students stop by at the Ledges even during break times. I am concerned that we're becoming an almost-exclusively indoor culture. But there were neighbors from my town in the area, and all the regulars as well.
Next weekend looks somewhat cooler but very sunny. It is usually the sun that really matters for the Ledges experience to be what it should be. It's easy to tolerate cooler temperatures on a sunny day than on a cloudy day, and the combination of cold and wind makes the experience more like an arctic expedition than a naturism retreat. But none of those conditions are forecast at the moment, and if the current forecast can be believed, Monday is going to be a good day as well. I may take a day off to enjoy that.
The only downside is that the lake level has been rising. This is typical for June, as the power company accumulates water then to run air conditioning in July. We've lost almost all the lower ledge now, but with luck that's as far as it will go. Some years, we lose the upper ledge as well, and then it's really crowded.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Thank goodness winter is finally over
Winter has finally gone. And a long, cold Winter it was -- followed then by a cool, rainy Spring. There was so much cold and rain that many of the trees still aren't leafed out, and climate-wise I'd guess that southern Vermont is running about two weeks or more behind.
On the other hand, the power company that owns the Harriman Dam seems to have taken pity on us. With the rain we've gotten, in years past the lake would be brimming, and visitors to The Ledges would typically be finding spots mostly in the woods. But on Memorial Day weekend, which is usually the start of the summer season, to my surprise the lake levels were very good -- a good part of the main rock is out of the water, even. Weather Saturday was rainy, but Sunday was fabulous -- sunny, moderately warm (70's), and with even a few visitors from Chelmsford Massachusetts who were new to the place. Water temperatures, though, are a very chilly mid-50's (although one person claimed 64, which was totally unbelievable based on my highly-tuned foot sensors). Monday was warmer still, but with little sun. Still, I'm planning to attempt full immersion next weekend, weather permitting. Stay tuned! Or better yet, stop by!
On the other hand, the power company that owns the Harriman Dam seems to have taken pity on us. With the rain we've gotten, in years past the lake would be brimming, and visitors to The Ledges would typically be finding spots mostly in the woods. But on Memorial Day weekend, which is usually the start of the summer season, to my surprise the lake levels were very good -- a good part of the main rock is out of the water, even. Weather Saturday was rainy, but Sunday was fabulous -- sunny, moderately warm (70's), and with even a few visitors from Chelmsford Massachusetts who were new to the place. Water temperatures, though, are a very chilly mid-50's (although one person claimed 64, which was totally unbelievable based on my highly-tuned foot sensors). Monday was warmer still, but with little sun. Still, I'm planning to attempt full immersion next weekend, weather permitting. Stay tuned! Or better yet, stop by!
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Calling Noah...
Labor Day weekend was a decidedly mixed bag this year, weatherwise. Friday was fabulous, though lightly populated. A new couple from Athol MA made a repeat visit, as well as a couple from the Catskills who had first come to the Ledges last year and were returning for the long weekend. Other than that, there were a few regulars, but the incipient start of school seemed to depress turnout, even though conditions were just about perfect. Saturday, on the other hand, was muggy and humid, but with occasional non-severe showers. Camaraderie was excellent though. Weather on Sunday was supposed to be about the same, which was good because that's the day the annual Ledges fall cookout/cornroast is held.
Sunday dawned clear and sunny, but by afternoon skies were overcast. About the time I arrived there was a fairly intense shower, which resolved in about 30 minutes, after which some sun poked through for a while. Despite the weather, a lot of people showed up and once again the camaraderie was good. Food was distributed, beer and margaritas were consumed, and the cooking fire was started. Some folks with foresight put up lean-to's made of tarpaulins.
Just as things were getting going, though, the rain came again - with thunder, and with lightning. People crammed under the lean-to's. The storm didn't seem to want to leave - rain was intense, prolonged, and although the food was good (it's always good), after an hour of eating corn and watching dramatic beach erosion take place, people were getting tired of the rain. I waited for a lull and left at about 5:00, but I was astonished to find that the creek which crosses the trail was a torrent, and had to use the bridge upstream. Even then the rain did not let up. Oh well, I suppose there's always next weekend.
September and early October are often great times to go to the Ledges. It's definitely quieter than in full summer, but there's more likely to be sun and there is plenty of real estate. Cliff diving is usually out of the question because the water level is too low, but since all the teenagers are back in school, this doesn't take place much anyway.
Sunday dawned clear and sunny, but by afternoon skies were overcast. About the time I arrived there was a fairly intense shower, which resolved in about 30 minutes, after which some sun poked through for a while. Despite the weather, a lot of people showed up and once again the camaraderie was good. Food was distributed, beer and margaritas were consumed, and the cooking fire was started. Some folks with foresight put up lean-to's made of tarpaulins.
Just as things were getting going, though, the rain came again - with thunder, and with lightning. People crammed under the lean-to's. The storm didn't seem to want to leave - rain was intense, prolonged, and although the food was good (it's always good), after an hour of eating corn and watching dramatic beach erosion take place, people were getting tired of the rain. I waited for a lull and left at about 5:00, but I was astonished to find that the creek which crosses the trail was a torrent, and had to use the bridge upstream. Even then the rain did not let up. Oh well, I suppose there's always next weekend.
September and early October are often great times to go to the Ledges. It's definitely quieter than in full summer, but there's more likely to be sun and there is plenty of real estate. Cliff diving is usually out of the question because the water level is too low, but since all the teenagers are back in school, this doesn't take place much anyway.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Cooler now
Last weekend the weather took a bit of a turn in a cooler, sunny-but-windy direction. Water temps have dropped to about 75 degrees from their former high of 82 a few weeks ago. But there's now much more beach available, which means at least that there are good places to set up that are screened a bit from the wind.
A fair number of new couples I'd never met before appeared last weekend. There was a pair from Stoneham, MA who were very nice, who appeared both Friday and Saturday. Another pair from Monson, MA stopped by to visit Mt. Snow, get massages, and go jet-skiing. But they also happened to go to The Ledges on both days as well.
On a more somber note - the lake level is now low enough so that if you jump off the cliff by the spruce tree over the main rock you WILL injure yourself. A young man did this Friday afternoon, without looking or asking anyone, and reportedly broke his arm. Please, if you aren't sure, JUST ASK. As of last weekend, it was still safe to jump off the rope swing, however.
We've also gotten reports from the Sheriff's Department that more than one person using the TransCanada picnic areas have called to complain that they can see naked people over in the Ledges area. While this makes most of us think, "well, DUH," the Sheriff's deputy really doesn't think it is a good idea to ignore complaints. The agreement is that nudists should avoid setting up on the side of the promontory which faces the textile area, or on the very tip of the promontory itself - at least during the peak season. Historically the tip of the promontory has been the boundary of the clothing optional area, so we aren't losing much space under this agreement. But I do hope this is not a sign of things to come. The Ledges has been around for a very long time, and I hate to think it would be closed simply because some newbie Vermont visitors were trying to force their view of how the world should be upon the rest of us. It would almost be better if the nudists had been doing something actually wrong - but near as we can tell, they weren't. They were just there, and that was enough.
Weather this coming weekend is currently forecast to be cloudy with showers on Thursday and Friday, but sunny (albeit in the lower 70's) on Saturday and Sunday. Monday is forecast to be a really nice day with lots of sun in the upper 70's, so I may take a vacation day then.
A fair number of new couples I'd never met before appeared last weekend. There was a pair from Stoneham, MA who were very nice, who appeared both Friday and Saturday. Another pair from Monson, MA stopped by to visit Mt. Snow, get massages, and go jet-skiing. But they also happened to go to The Ledges on both days as well.
On a more somber note - the lake level is now low enough so that if you jump off the cliff by the spruce tree over the main rock you WILL injure yourself. A young man did this Friday afternoon, without looking or asking anyone, and reportedly broke his arm. Please, if you aren't sure, JUST ASK. As of last weekend, it was still safe to jump off the rope swing, however.
We've also gotten reports from the Sheriff's Department that more than one person using the TransCanada picnic areas have called to complain that they can see naked people over in the Ledges area. While this makes most of us think, "well, DUH," the Sheriff's deputy really doesn't think it is a good idea to ignore complaints. The agreement is that nudists should avoid setting up on the side of the promontory which faces the textile area, or on the very tip of the promontory itself - at least during the peak season. Historically the tip of the promontory has been the boundary of the clothing optional area, so we aren't losing much space under this agreement. But I do hope this is not a sign of things to come. The Ledges has been around for a very long time, and I hate to think it would be closed simply because some newbie Vermont visitors were trying to force their view of how the world should be upon the rest of us. It would almost be better if the nudists had been doing something actually wrong - but near as we can tell, they weren't. They were just there, and that was enough.
Weather this coming weekend is currently forecast to be cloudy with showers on Thursday and Friday, but sunny (albeit in the lower 70's) on Saturday and Sunday. Monday is forecast to be a really nice day with lots of sun in the upper 70's, so I may take a vacation day then.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Excellent prospects
I haven't written a post for two weeks because I've basically been having too much fun. So, my apologies, and I will try to do better.
Weather was perfect (and very hot) two weekends ago. Lake level dropped almost six inches a day, and we now have most of the main ledge available, some significant amount of beach, and some of the stone enclosures on the south side of the naturist area available (and in use!). On Saturday there were quite a number of new visitors, including an engaged couple hailing from Vermont and Alaska. The Alaskan had (I gather) never enjoyed nude recreation before and totally loved it. (The Vermonter was "yeah, I've been swimming naked since I was born, big deal." ;-) ) They made a repeat visit on that Sunday as well.
This past Saturday was great weatherwise too - maybe not as hot, but certainly with plenty of sun. People seemed to take the Sunday forecast into account, and timed things to show up Saturday instead. The parking lot was almost full by 12 PM. Once again, there were a lot of people I did not know, including a first-time group from Keene, NH, who came along at the invitation of their neighbors, and a number of first-time couples I did not get a chance to talk to. But those I did talk to were generally enthusiastic, and I think we will be seeing them again as well.
It's mildly interesting to me how people react to being naked in public for the first time. Some people just have no problem with it whatsoever, and some require quite a bit of courage (in liquid form, often) before they try this - but then they're just thrilled at how comfortable and natural they feel. Nonetheless, I've met a very small number who seem to have real trouble managing even after they get naked. The female member of one couple this past Saturday definitely had issues of this kind; while her boyfriend was gregarious and clearly comfortable in his skin, she was clearly NOT comfortable, to the extent that she did not even seem willing to chat. Obviously, if you discover that that's how you feel, there's no point in pushing the matter - nude recreation is not for everyone (strange as that seems to me...) But I don't think you will really know until you give it a try.
For those who like jumping off the rope swing, the water level is still plenty high for that. The other jumping-off place by the spruce tree, though, is probably too shallow now to jump off of safely.
I am looking forward to this coming weekend. I will be taking Friday off, and if weather is good, Thursday afternoon as well. See you there!
Weather was perfect (and very hot) two weekends ago. Lake level dropped almost six inches a day, and we now have most of the main ledge available, some significant amount of beach, and some of the stone enclosures on the south side of the naturist area available (and in use!). On Saturday there were quite a number of new visitors, including an engaged couple hailing from Vermont and Alaska. The Alaskan had (I gather) never enjoyed nude recreation before and totally loved it. (The Vermonter was "yeah, I've been swimming naked since I was born, big deal." ;-) ) They made a repeat visit on that Sunday as well.
This past Saturday was great weatherwise too - maybe not as hot, but certainly with plenty of sun. People seemed to take the Sunday forecast into account, and timed things to show up Saturday instead. The parking lot was almost full by 12 PM. Once again, there were a lot of people I did not know, including a first-time group from Keene, NH, who came along at the invitation of their neighbors, and a number of first-time couples I did not get a chance to talk to. But those I did talk to were generally enthusiastic, and I think we will be seeing them again as well.
It's mildly interesting to me how people react to being naked in public for the first time. Some people just have no problem with it whatsoever, and some require quite a bit of courage (in liquid form, often) before they try this - but then they're just thrilled at how comfortable and natural they feel. Nonetheless, I've met a very small number who seem to have real trouble managing even after they get naked. The female member of one couple this past Saturday definitely had issues of this kind; while her boyfriend was gregarious and clearly comfortable in his skin, she was clearly NOT comfortable, to the extent that she did not even seem willing to chat. Obviously, if you discover that that's how you feel, there's no point in pushing the matter - nude recreation is not for everyone (strange as that seems to me...) But I don't think you will really know until you give it a try.
For those who like jumping off the rope swing, the water level is still plenty high for that. The other jumping-off place by the spruce tree, though, is probably too shallow now to jump off of safely.
I am looking forward to this coming weekend. I will be taking Friday off, and if weather is good, Thursday afternoon as well. See you there!
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Summer in full swing
This past weekend at The Ledges was terrific. Water level is descending (though still somewhat high for this time of year), but most importantly lots of new and interesting people came by.
Despite the fact that Saturday's weather was less than ideal, we had young visitors from the Bennington area who had such a great time over the July 4th weekend that they decided to return despite cool and occasionally drizzly conditions. AND they came back Sunday morning also. Never having swum without swimsuits before, by Sunday it was clear they totally got religion about nude recreation. I have a feeling they'll be back again.
On Sunday, long-time Ledges alumni from Auburn MA and the general Boston area came by. I'd never met them before but they were cool. And, later in the afternoon, a group of eleven post-college women showed up from Chelsea and Charleston Mass. Great fun, lots of cliff diving and rope swing activity.
Awesome folks with an awesome attitude. Special mention goes to the girl with mermaid flippers, who shot amazingly high out of the water with apparent ease.
Despite the fact that Saturday's weather was less than ideal, we had young visitors from the Bennington area who had such a great time over the July 4th weekend that they decided to return despite cool and occasionally drizzly conditions. AND they came back Sunday morning also. Never having swum without swimsuits before, by Sunday it was clear they totally got religion about nude recreation. I have a feeling they'll be back again.
On Sunday, long-time Ledges alumni from Auburn MA and the general Boston area came by. I'd never met them before but they were cool. And, later in the afternoon, a group of eleven post-college women showed up from Chelsea and Charleston Mass. Great fun, lots of cliff diving and rope swing activity.
Awesome folks with an awesome attitude. Special mention goes to the girl with mermaid flippers, who shot amazingly high out of the water with apparent ease.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Too much rain
What happens when it just keeps raining? If you guessed that the water level in Lake Harriman just keeps rising, you're right! In fact, due to the really significant amounts of rain in the entire Northeast, there are nice tinkly little waterfalls in places there never were waterfalls before. And they are all feeding into the lake.
Last weekend, although the weather was good, the lake was cold - really cold, 61 degrees Fahrenheit, in fact. That's fully 10 degrees cooler than it was even two weeks ago. Refreshing is the right word, when I'm trying to be polite. (Sometimes I'm not so polite. This is, after all, June.)
But worse, the water level is at historical highs. It was quite disappointing to see a number of people come by, only to find no place to set up at all, and give up. I don't think I've ever seen that happen before. Some people are happy to squeeze in to what space there is, but others prefer a bit more privacy, and they just aren't going to get it for a while.
It looks, though, like the pattern of the last month is finally breaking. We'll know, I guess, when we go even a couple of days without significant rainfall. Weather looks reasonable for the upcoming weekend - summery humidity levels, with some chance of thundershowers but nothing unusual. We'll just have to see.
At least TransCanada seems to realize this year that they have more water than they can possibly use for power generation, and they've started to draw down the water level at a modest rate already, even though there's not any demand to speak of for peak electricity yet. Perhaps by July 4 the main ledge will be open again.
Last weekend, although the weather was good, the lake was cold - really cold, 61 degrees Fahrenheit, in fact. That's fully 10 degrees cooler than it was even two weeks ago. Refreshing is the right word, when I'm trying to be polite. (Sometimes I'm not so polite. This is, after all, June.)
But worse, the water level is at historical highs. It was quite disappointing to see a number of people come by, only to find no place to set up at all, and give up. I don't think I've ever seen that happen before. Some people are happy to squeeze in to what space there is, but others prefer a bit more privacy, and they just aren't going to get it for a while.
It looks, though, like the pattern of the last month is finally breaking. We'll know, I guess, when we go even a couple of days without significant rainfall. Weather looks reasonable for the upcoming weekend - summery humidity levels, with some chance of thundershowers but nothing unusual. We'll just have to see.
At least TransCanada seems to realize this year that they have more water than they can possibly use for power generation, and they've started to draw down the water level at a modest rate already, even though there's not any demand to speak of for peak electricity yet. Perhaps by July 4 the main ledge will be open again.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Hot weekend, great start to the season
After a really lousy Memorial Day (some places got snow, no kidding), the weekend of June 1st was hot, humid, and very sunny. Water level was up significantly due to the previous week's downpours, but not as high as I feared. Further good news - it was definitely warm enough to swim.
It was entertaining to be asked if it was safe to jump from the rope swing. I always patiently explain to people that early in the season jumping and diving is fine - it's just later, when the water has gone down fifteen feet, that there may not be as much clearance as one would like. If in doubt, ask a local. Right now, though, you can jump/dive safely from either the ledge with the rope swing, or the high rock with the lone spruce tree (provided, of course, that you aim for deep water and away from the ledge).
People turned out in surprising numbers, and there were a few newcomers mingled with the familiar faces. Lots of news traded hands too - personal, some of it, but some of interest to the broader naturist community - specifically that Lighthouse Beach on Long Island has been closed to nudists. This is blamed on Hurricane Sandy, but most people who used to go there think it has a lot more to do with a certain head ranger who is new and doesn't approve of nudity in general. Not sure what exactly will happen - but people from that part of the world are understandably upset by the turn of events.
I'll definitely be by again this coming weekend. While it may be rainy Saturday morning, there's a good chance at the time of this writing that Saturday afternoon will be decent. And Sunday looks great. In the immortal words of Jack Lord: Be there. Aloha!
It was entertaining to be asked if it was safe to jump from the rope swing. I always patiently explain to people that early in the season jumping and diving is fine - it's just later, when the water has gone down fifteen feet, that there may not be as much clearance as one would like. If in doubt, ask a local. Right now, though, you can jump/dive safely from either the ledge with the rope swing, or the high rock with the lone spruce tree (provided, of course, that you aim for deep water and away from the ledge).
People turned out in surprising numbers, and there were a few newcomers mingled with the familiar faces. Lots of news traded hands too - personal, some of it, but some of interest to the broader naturist community - specifically that Lighthouse Beach on Long Island has been closed to nudists. This is blamed on Hurricane Sandy, but most people who used to go there think it has a lot more to do with a certain head ranger who is new and doesn't approve of nudity in general. Not sure what exactly will happen - but people from that part of the world are understandably upset by the turn of events.
I'll definitely be by again this coming weekend. While it may be rainy Saturday morning, there's a good chance at the time of this writing that Saturday afternoon will be decent. And Sunday looks great. In the immortal words of Jack Lord: Be there. Aloha!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Almost managed to swim last weekend
I visited The Ledges on both Saturday and Sunday last weekend. Weather was sunny and dry both days, with cold mornings but fine afternoons. Even though the front gate is closed, and the leaves on the trees are just starting to appear, plenty of people turned up; mostly regulars, but a couple of unfamiliar faces. The water, however inviting, was just too cold for anything other than a quick, breathless splash.
Conditions at the beach, though, are excellent this year. Almost no winter damage at all, and the water level was still low, meaning there was a lot of beach to use. Sun was intense - I got a bit of a burn - but on the whole it felt great to be out again after a long cold winter. I'm sure the water level will rise, but with luck (since it's been pretty dry) it won't come up much between now and the first traditional beach days on Memorial Day weekend. In any case, I'll keep an eye peeled for you. ;-)
Conditions at the beach, though, are excellent this year. Almost no winter damage at all, and the water level was still low, meaning there was a lot of beach to use. Sun was intense - I got a bit of a burn - but on the whole it felt great to be out again after a long cold winter. I'm sure the water level will rise, but with luck (since it's been pretty dry) it won't come up much between now and the first traditional beach days on Memorial Day weekend. In any case, I'll keep an eye peeled for you. ;-)
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Labor-Day Barbeque
Labor Day has come and gone. I can hardly believe the summer passed so quickly!
Labor Day weekend at The Ledges is a special weekend. Unless a natural disaster strikes (e.g. Hurricane Irene), it is traditional for folks to bring a potluck dinner on the Sunday afternoon before the holiday - or on Monday afternoon if Sunday is rained out. Food is usually plentiful and good, and the festivities tend to involve progressively sillier activities - for instance, hula hoops and not-very-in-tune guitar playing - as the evening wears on.
This year the weather was quite good, and there were many familiar faces of regulars present, along with their extended families. I was surprised, though, at how few non-regulars stopped by, given how perfect the weather was. Water is still perfect, and the water level is still high enough to dive off of the cliff (as long you aim away from the big underwater boulder to the left). I guess summer now ends before Labor Day for too many people.
It is looking, though, like a warm fall, which means we may well be swimming well into October. Trees have not even developed a hint of color, which is unusual for this time of year. If you are visiting the Vermont foliage, make a point of stopping in.
Labor Day weekend at The Ledges is a special weekend. Unless a natural disaster strikes (e.g. Hurricane Irene), it is traditional for folks to bring a potluck dinner on the Sunday afternoon before the holiday - or on Monday afternoon if Sunday is rained out. Food is usually plentiful and good, and the festivities tend to involve progressively sillier activities - for instance, hula hoops and not-very-in-tune guitar playing - as the evening wears on.
This year the weather was quite good, and there were many familiar faces of regulars present, along with their extended families. I was surprised, though, at how few non-regulars stopped by, given how perfect the weather was. Water is still perfect, and the water level is still high enough to dive off of the cliff (as long you aim away from the big underwater boulder to the left). I guess summer now ends before Labor Day for too many people.
It is looking, though, like a warm fall, which means we may well be swimming well into October. Trees have not even developed a hint of color, which is unusual for this time of year. If you are visiting the Vermont foliage, make a point of stopping in.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Where DID all these people come from??
I visited The Ledges last Friday, and also on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Weather on Friday was perfect - clear and sunny, warm, not too much wind - but given the perfect conditions, surprisingly few people were there.
Saturday was an entirely different affair. It was warm and humid and unstable, but nevertheless 200 people showed up, many of them apparently new - and many via boats and rafts. It looked like the beginnings of a regular party! But the weather took a hard turn for the worst at about 2:30 in the afternoon, and we had thunder, lightning, torrential downpours - which just did not let up. Surprisingly, most of the visitors stuck around, hiding under tarpaulins or in the woods. After a while I gave up and walked back to my car, which was far enough for me to be thoroughly soaked - but I'm told others stuck it out until 5:30 or even later. Hardy bunch! I shudder to think how they managed to paddle those rafts back across the lake during the storm, though.
Sunday looked like it was going to be a repeat of Saturday - but although we had rain showers, there was no thunder or lightning, so people just swam around in the rain. The rain showers started earlier, so the number of people were less, but still substantially above Friday's numbers. Lots of extended families came, which was nice - even though not all of them were nudists, of course.
Monday it was cooler and breezy but quite sunny. The place looked almost deserted. I had the entire main ledge to myself.
I suppose it is inevitable that The Ledges becomes more or less a weekend phenomenon. There are many reasons for this. For one thing, it is becoming ever more unusual for families to spend significant amounts of their summers in the country. People are working more and more, and when they aren't working they're paying their bills and doing their taxes. Also, the school year is also growing in length - which is something I'm not sure I approve of, since I think we're already in danger of overemphasizing formal education at the expense of what I would call "life education". But that's a good subject for a different post.
Saturday was an entirely different affair. It was warm and humid and unstable, but nevertheless 200 people showed up, many of them apparently new - and many via boats and rafts. It looked like the beginnings of a regular party! But the weather took a hard turn for the worst at about 2:30 in the afternoon, and we had thunder, lightning, torrential downpours - which just did not let up. Surprisingly, most of the visitors stuck around, hiding under tarpaulins or in the woods. After a while I gave up and walked back to my car, which was far enough for me to be thoroughly soaked - but I'm told others stuck it out until 5:30 or even later. Hardy bunch! I shudder to think how they managed to paddle those rafts back across the lake during the storm, though.
Sunday looked like it was going to be a repeat of Saturday - but although we had rain showers, there was no thunder or lightning, so people just swam around in the rain. The rain showers started earlier, so the number of people were less, but still substantially above Friday's numbers. Lots of extended families came, which was nice - even though not all of them were nudists, of course.
Monday it was cooler and breezy but quite sunny. The place looked almost deserted. I had the entire main ledge to myself.
I suppose it is inevitable that The Ledges becomes more or less a weekend phenomenon. There are many reasons for this. For one thing, it is becoming ever more unusual for families to spend significant amounts of their summers in the country. People are working more and more, and when they aren't working they're paying their bills and doing their taxes. Also, the school year is also growing in length - which is something I'm not sure I approve of, since I think we're already in danger of overemphasizing formal education at the expense of what I would call "life education". But that's a good subject for a different post.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Weather at The Ledges
I spent most of last week at The Ledges. Weather was perfect, water was just cool enough to be refreshing, and the water level was at exactly the average height for this time of year - well, the average ever since TransCanada bought the dam four or five years ago, anyhow. Level is just about perfect for cliff jumping/diving (I dive quite a bit myself), and there's enough room for most folks to find a place, if they're not too terribly shy. Water level continues to drop, so by the time you read this, there will no doubt be even more real estate available.
As usual, the weather (especially on July 4th and again on July 7th) did not behave as the weather forecasters predicted. Both days were largely lovely, even though they were predicted to be cloudy with occasional showers. I feel sorry for the weathermen who try to put together a decent forecast for southern Vermont - all the hilly terrain must upset their models significantly. But even if you just look at the Lake Whitingham weather versus the rest of southern Vermont, there's often a huge difference. The Lake is in the lee of the main spine of the Greens, and I think this messes things up quite a lot. It's pretty typical, in fact, for there to be clouds on days that are supposed to be clear, and visa versa. Lately, the luck has been in the direction of better weather than expected... so let's hope that continues for the rest of the summer.
Honorable visitor mentions this past week included a delegation from Troy, NY - always great to meet people from the RPI community - and a shriek-tastic bunch of local teens who obviously had a great time. I also chatted with a couple from Saratoga, NY, who had been visiting Abbots' Glen for years but who had never even heard of The Ledges. Furthermore, the information they got from the Town of Wilmington about the place turned out to be wildly incorrect. This makes me think we may want to advertise a little - maybe cards and/or tee-shirts. What do people think of the following tag lines? Whatever I'd do would of course link back to this blog.
"Swim Naked - it's Cooler and Way More Fun"
"Dare To Consider a World Without Tan Lines"
Comments welcome...
As usual, the weather (especially on July 4th and again on July 7th) did not behave as the weather forecasters predicted. Both days were largely lovely, even though they were predicted to be cloudy with occasional showers. I feel sorry for the weathermen who try to put together a decent forecast for southern Vermont - all the hilly terrain must upset their models significantly. But even if you just look at the Lake Whitingham weather versus the rest of southern Vermont, there's often a huge difference. The Lake is in the lee of the main spine of the Greens, and I think this messes things up quite a lot. It's pretty typical, in fact, for there to be clouds on days that are supposed to be clear, and visa versa. Lately, the luck has been in the direction of better weather than expected... so let's hope that continues for the rest of the summer.
Honorable visitor mentions this past week included a delegation from Troy, NY - always great to meet people from the RPI community - and a shriek-tastic bunch of local teens who obviously had a great time. I also chatted with a couple from Saratoga, NY, who had been visiting Abbots' Glen for years but who had never even heard of The Ledges. Furthermore, the information they got from the Town of Wilmington about the place turned out to be wildly incorrect. This makes me think we may want to advertise a little - maybe cards and/or tee-shirts. What do people think of the following tag lines? Whatever I'd do would of course link back to this blog.
"Swim Naked - it's Cooler and Way More Fun"
"Dare To Consider a World Without Tan Lines"
Comments welcome...
Monday, June 4, 2012
Memorial Day
I stopped by The Ledges twice on Memorial Day weekend. Weather was fantastic (despite the forecast), and the water was cold but quite swim-able. The lake level was high but not excessively so. Some of the flotsam and jetsam has been floated by the higher water and I'd certainly recommend caution if piloting a motorboat, but otherwise it was a fairly minor problem.
I think the weather forecast may have frightened away quite a lot of people, because there were fewer people there than I would have expected - but you can never frighten away The Ledges regulars. Looking forward to the next weekend that's decent weather-wise, and when I have enough time to stay a while.
I think the weather forecast may have frightened away quite a lot of people, because there were fewer people there than I would have expected - but you can never frighten away The Ledges regulars. Looking forward to the next weekend that's decent weather-wise, and when I have enough time to stay a while.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Some good news
I stopped by at the Ledges two weeks ago. We've been having unusually warm and dry spring weather, and I wanted to check out how things stood after last fall's hurricane.
The good news is that the cleanup has been completed. It is (nearly) impossible now to tell that the lake was basically a disaster zone for most of September and October. The only signs of how it was that remain are some conveniently-placed log bridges that were not there before, and a new picnic table right alongside the entrance path.
Lake level was very low, however. Part of that was the drought, but also I was told that the State of Vermont had been looking for a tank that satellite photos had identified as having washed into the reservoir, and wanted to fish it out. I don't know if they found it or not. Water level is almost certainly up now, since we've had a significant amount of rainfall since early April.
Indeed, the State apparently worked tirelessly all winter removing debris so that the summer season would be as beautiful and pleasant as always. Kudos!
In a few short weeks they will be opening the main gate so that people can park in the recreation area. The entrance road is not good - too much traffic during mud season - but perhaps they'll grade it before Memorial Day. Looking forward to seeing you there this summer!
The good news is that the cleanup has been completed. It is (nearly) impossible now to tell that the lake was basically a disaster zone for most of September and October. The only signs of how it was that remain are some conveniently-placed log bridges that were not there before, and a new picnic table right alongside the entrance path.
Lake level was very low, however. Part of that was the drought, but also I was told that the State of Vermont had been looking for a tank that satellite photos had identified as having washed into the reservoir, and wanted to fish it out. I don't know if they found it or not. Water level is almost certainly up now, since we've had a significant amount of rainfall since early April.
Indeed, the State apparently worked tirelessly all winter removing debris so that the summer season would be as beautiful and pleasant as always. Kudos!
In a few short weeks they will be opening the main gate so that people can park in the recreation area. The entrance road is not good - too much traffic during mud season - but perhaps they'll grade it before Memorial Day. Looking forward to seeing you there this summer!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
A beautiful Columbus Day weekend
It was a fabulously warm and sunny weekend at The Ledges. I am happy to add that a tremendous amount of cleanup work has already been done. Thank you to all the volunteers who contributed their time and sweat to the task! I'm also happy to report that the lake is apparently safe for swimming again - at least according to some authorities. It was declared safe on October 7th by the Town of Wilmington. However, the Bennington Sheriff's Department was still advising people not to swim. Go figure!
But I was in the water, and although it was bracingly cold (63F), it was definitely much cleaner than it had been. Water level has been allowed to rise as well.
The cleanup status is as follows: The stone ledge areas have all been cleaned up and are essentially back to normal. The sandy beach area is still undergoing cleanup work - we have a fire every decent day and throw the wooden refuse on those as quickly as we can. It's going to be a bit longer before the whole area is back to normal, and there isn't much time left. What's not done will have to wait until Spring.
But I was in the water, and although it was bracingly cold (63F), it was definitely much cleaner than it had been. Water level has been allowed to rise as well.
The cleanup status is as follows: The stone ledge areas have all been cleaned up and are essentially back to normal. The sandy beach area is still undergoing cleanup work - we have a fire every decent day and throw the wooden refuse on those as quickly as we can. It's going to be a bit longer before the whole area is back to normal, and there isn't much time left. What's not done will have to wait until Spring.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Help needed
I finally got up the courage to visit the Ledges last Sunday. It was a sad day.
TransCanada had repaired the roadway in, but the gate was locked. There was a sign stating that the health department had ruled the lake off-limits for swimming on 9/23/2011, but the lake had apparently been opened for boating earlier that week for the first time since the hurricane.
The lake level had been lowered dramatically since Irene went through, and I wondered why. I didn't have to wonder for long, though. Apparently a great deal of flotsam and jetsam had washed down the Deerfield River into Lake Whitingham, and until the lake level was lowered was floating on the surface, making navigation very hazardous. Tires, washing machines, furniture, the walls of small buildings, and propane tanks were all suspended in the water. But now that the water level is finally down, it is possible to begin the cleanup.
And what a cleanup it's going to need. While the stony ledges themselves didn't suffer too badly, the cove that makes up the sandy part of the Ledges beach area is a natural locus for collecting floating stuff from all over the lake, and it is literally buried in 2-3 feet of logs, trash, sticks, and other refuse. This can, in general, be separated into two categories: that which is reasonable to burn (mainly wood), and that which must be hauled out. We've made arrangements to take out the transportable stuff that needs to be removed by boat, starting next weekend (the 31st), weather permitting. We also started a large fire on Sunday and began the process of burning the wooden refuse. That's going take a lot longer than a weekend or two, although maybe if more people show up it will go faster. There is a deadline: over the winter, the water level will rise again, and refloat what we haven't cleaned up.
Since the gate remains locked, the only parking is along the swimming area roadway, which has a very limited capacity. Since the work is difficult/tiring anyway, and since swimming is unsafe, a dozen people at a time seems the ideal number.
TransCanada had repaired the roadway in, but the gate was locked. There was a sign stating that the health department had ruled the lake off-limits for swimming on 9/23/2011, but the lake had apparently been opened for boating earlier that week for the first time since the hurricane.
The lake level had been lowered dramatically since Irene went through, and I wondered why. I didn't have to wonder for long, though. Apparently a great deal of flotsam and jetsam had washed down the Deerfield River into Lake Whitingham, and until the lake level was lowered was floating on the surface, making navigation very hazardous. Tires, washing machines, furniture, the walls of small buildings, and propane tanks were all suspended in the water. But now that the water level is finally down, it is possible to begin the cleanup.
And what a cleanup it's going to need. While the stony ledges themselves didn't suffer too badly, the cove that makes up the sandy part of the Ledges beach area is a natural locus for collecting floating stuff from all over the lake, and it is literally buried in 2-3 feet of logs, trash, sticks, and other refuse. This can, in general, be separated into two categories: that which is reasonable to burn (mainly wood), and that which must be hauled out. We've made arrangements to take out the transportable stuff that needs to be removed by boat, starting next weekend (the 31st), weather permitting. We also started a large fire on Sunday and began the process of burning the wooden refuse. That's going take a lot longer than a weekend or two, although maybe if more people show up it will go faster. There is a deadline: over the winter, the water level will rise again, and refloat what we haven't cleaned up.
Since the gate remains locked, the only parking is along the swimming area roadway, which has a very limited capacity. Since the work is difficult/tiring anyway, and since swimming is unsafe, a dozen people at a time seems the ideal number.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Not an auspicious end to the summer
I visited southern Vermont over Labor Day weekend. The damage caused by Irene was extensive to roads and infrastructure, and not a few private businesses and dwellings as well. Pretty much everything that was in a river valley had some degree of damage. But it was all due to water - hardly any wind was seen.
As far as The Ledges are concerned, this is how it stands. First, the State of Vermont has closed all bodies of water affected by the flooding until further notice. That means that, even if you should find a way into The Ledges, you will find signs and maybe even people telling you to go away. Second, Rt. 9 from Brattleboro and from Bennington is closed indefinitely. Miles-long stretches of this highway was washed away by the Irene-induced torrents. Rt. 112 from Colrain is open, but only one lane exists at the moment, and there's a part of it that is missing just south of Jacksonville. I also wouldn't be surprised if the road into the recreation area was also completely washed out - and I have no doubt that repairing it will be low priority.
In summary, I'd only attempt this in September if I had other business in the area. I think it's going to be next season before things are back to any kind of semblance of "normal".
As far as The Ledges are concerned, this is how it stands. First, the State of Vermont has closed all bodies of water affected by the flooding until further notice. That means that, even if you should find a way into The Ledges, you will find signs and maybe even people telling you to go away. Second, Rt. 9 from Brattleboro and from Bennington is closed indefinitely. Miles-long stretches of this highway was washed away by the Irene-induced torrents. Rt. 112 from Colrain is open, but only one lane exists at the moment, and there's a part of it that is missing just south of Jacksonville. I also wouldn't be surprised if the road into the recreation area was also completely washed out - and I have no doubt that repairing it will be low priority.
In summary, I'd only attempt this in September if I had other business in the area. I think it's going to be next season before things are back to any kind of semblance of "normal".
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Hurricane Irene and Labor Day
As many may have heard, Hurricane Irene struck southern Vermont especially hard, with more than 11 inches of rainfall in some places. There was immense damage across southern Vermont and adjacent New York and western Massachusetts. The Deerfield River, which flows through Lake Whitingham (where the Ledges is) was one of the rivers which flooded badly, causing a great deal of damage to downtown Wilmington. I am planning to assess the situation myself starting tomorrow.
I've done some calling around in preparation, and this is what I've learned. First, downtown Wilmington remains closed while the authorities decide which buildings need to be torn down and which can be repaired. This means that there is no ability to pass through Wilmington via Rt. 9 from the west. It is not certain when that road will reopen, since there is damage also along the road outside of town (as I understand it).
Second, the eastern half of Wilmington is accessible. That includes the Shaw's grocery store, the drug store, and gas stations. But there are some caveats. Rt. 9 between Brattleboro and Marlboro is closed indefinitely, so any thoughts you might have of reaching Wilmington that way should be abandoned. Rt. 100 south is open, as is most of Rt. 112 (which goes to Colrain MA). However, you cannot pass through Jacksonville VT (where Rt. 112 meets Rt. 100) because Rt. 112 is washed out at that point. There are ways around that problem, but the directions are non-trivial and more than I can post here. Interstate 91 in Deerfield is also closed due to the Deerfield River undermining the bridge that crosses it.
In short, it's going to be a while before people can get to the Ledges again. And even if you could get there this weekend, I would advise people not to swim, because all of the flotsam and jetsam from Wilmington all washed into the lake. The water levels are also likely to be extremely high.
I will update this blog based on what I find this weekend.
I've done some calling around in preparation, and this is what I've learned. First, downtown Wilmington remains closed while the authorities decide which buildings need to be torn down and which can be repaired. This means that there is no ability to pass through Wilmington via Rt. 9 from the west. It is not certain when that road will reopen, since there is damage also along the road outside of town (as I understand it).
Second, the eastern half of Wilmington is accessible. That includes the Shaw's grocery store, the drug store, and gas stations. But there are some caveats. Rt. 9 between Brattleboro and Marlboro is closed indefinitely, so any thoughts you might have of reaching Wilmington that way should be abandoned. Rt. 100 south is open, as is most of Rt. 112 (which goes to Colrain MA). However, you cannot pass through Jacksonville VT (where Rt. 112 meets Rt. 100) because Rt. 112 is washed out at that point. There are ways around that problem, but the directions are non-trivial and more than I can post here. Interstate 91 in Deerfield is also closed due to the Deerfield River undermining the bridge that crosses it.
In short, it's going to be a while before people can get to the Ledges again. And even if you could get there this weekend, I would advise people not to swim, because all of the flotsam and jetsam from Wilmington all washed into the lake. The water levels are also likely to be extremely high.
I will update this blog based on what I find this weekend.
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